Food Service Helper - Atlantic region
National Defence
Closing date: May 1, 2026 - 23:59, Pacific Time
Reference number DND26J-131602-000579
Selection process number 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-ATL
Location Gagetown (New Brunswick), Greenwood (Nova Scotia), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Kentville (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia)
Salary $22.32 to $24.30 per hour
Level GS-FOS-02
Who can apply Persons residing in Canada, and Canadian citizens and Permanent residents abroad.
Organization information For further information on the organization, please visit .
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About the position
Work environmentThe Department of National Defence (DND) is entering a pivotal period of transformation and growth, driven by evolving national and global geopolitical priorities. This expansion reflects our commitment to strengthening Canada’s defence capabilities, modernizing operations, and advancing strategic initiatives. As we rise to meet these evolving challenges, the Department of National Defence (DND) is seeking skilled and dedicated professionals to help shape the future of Canada’s defence. Several targeted recruitment initiatives are underway to attract diverse talent across a wide range of disciplines, enhancing our ability to deliver on strategic and operational objectives. The intent of this process is to build a dynamic pool of partially or essentially qualified candidates to fill current and future vacancies across DND’s operational landscape. Successful candidates may be considered for a range of meaningful opportunities that support our evolving mandate and contribute directly to Canada’s defence and security. The Atlantic region of Canada is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities. Its rugged coastlines, vibrant towns, and landscapes steeped in heritage create an environment full of warmth and opportunity. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of its small communities, the cultural richness of its cities, or the endless outdoor adventures it offers, the region provides a truly unique place to live and grow. If you are looking for a change or looking to further your career, this process is tailored to candidates LIKE YOU to cater to the unique needs and requirements of the Atlantic Region.Together, DND and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) form the largest and most complex organization in Canada. DND's role is to provide services and support to the CAF in their operations and missions at home and abroad. DND and the CAF work side-by-side to fulfill the Government of Canada’s mission to defend Canada and Canadians and contribute to international peace, security, and stability efforts._______________________________________________________________What do we offer?
🍁 At DND we foster a work environment where employees have
opportunities to grow, learn, progress in their careers, and have
job satisfaction over the long-term. You’ll enjoy:
✅ A career among a dynamic and dedicated team
✅ Opportunities for advancement
✅ A diverse, respectful, and inclusive work environment_______________________________________________________________
Intent of the process A pool of partially or essentially qualified candidates may be established through this process and used to staff identical or similar positions with various language profiles, operational requirements, conditions of employment within various locations at the Department of National Defence.Please note that all positions are on-site, and you will be expected to work in person for the entire duration of your scheduled hours. These positions will be located on DND wings and bases only. _______________________________________________________________
Important messages When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to a process for current and future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment.❗ On March 11th, 2026 we will be pulling applications to fill immediate needs in the following locations:
↪ Kentville, NS
↪ Halifax, NS
↪ Gagetown, NBApply before this date to be considered for our immediate vacancies. Please note that candidates will only be assessed once and repeat applications to the inventory will not be considered._______________________________________________________________INTEREST IN OTHER LOCATIONS❗ This advertisement is for the locations listed above only. Please refer to our other posters for different locations.
In support of mobility and accessibility, we invite those who are interested in working onsite from Department of National Defence locations other than those listed on this poster, to apply on the regional selection processes for those locations. (Pro-tip: you may cut and paste your answers).Selection Processes:
↪ 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-EST (Eastern)
↪ 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-NCR (National Capital Region)
↪ 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-ONT (Ontario)
↪ 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-PAC (Pacific)
↪ 26-DND-EA-NAST-548236-PRA (Prairies)
Candidates who apply on various regional posters will only be assessed once. Results of this assessment will be applied to each individual process, if more than one application is submitted.Please note that "See resume" responses will not be accepted._______________________________________________________________The information you provide in this application must be true and may be verified. Any false information may result in the rejection of your application and/or not hiring you. Please only check off the locations that you are truly willing and able to work from. Choosing a location that you are not truly willing and able to work from slows down the process and impacts our ability to staff positions within the Department. By submitting an application, you are confirming that you are either currently living in one of these locations or are willing to relocate to them._______________________________________________________________Please note that our assessments will require the use of technology, including email, as part of the process. However, we are committed to ensuring equal access for everyone. If you do not have access to the necessary technology or face any challenges, we are happy to provide accommodations to support your participation. Please feel free to reach out, and we will work with you to find a solution that meets your needs. _______________________________________________________________ ▶ Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. ▶ Our organization will only accept on-line applications for this opportunity. Please click “Apply online” to submit your application. If there are limitations or special circumstances preventing you from submitting your application via the GC Jobs online portal, you must contact us and receive approval to apply via an alternate means PRIOR to the closing date. ▶ Depending on the position being staffed:
↪ Additional qualifications, operational requirements and/or conditions of employment may be required
↪ Varying degrees of breadth and depth of experience may be deemed essential
↪ Asset qualifications may be invoked as essential qualifications
↪ You may be contacted and asked to submit information or be further assessed ▶ Applicants who apply to this selection process must include in their application a valid email address and make sure that this address is functional at all times and accepts messages from unknown users. ▶ All information obtained throughout the selection process, from the time of application to close of process, may be used to evaluate the applicants. Your overall conduct and communications, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications and competencies. ▶ To ensure the integrity of the selection process, the content and questions of the assessment must remain confidential. Please do not discuss or share the assessment content with anyone, including other candidates. You must complete the assessment, including screening questions, by yourself, without the help of others. AI tools (such as ChatGPT or any other forms of artificial intelligence) may be used to support your responses when they help improve efficiency, clarity, or accuracy. AI should be treated as an aid, not a replacement for your expertise. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Any violation may result in potential consequences which could impact your candidacy in this process. ▶ If, at any point in this process or upon qualifying in this process, your Values and Ethics do not align with that of the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics and Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, you will be eliminated from further consideration in this process. ▶ Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
↪ Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team;
↪ Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed;
↪ Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience;
↪ Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications;
↪ Organizational Needs.
Conditions of employment
Reliability Status security clearance
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CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT· Strict adherence to the Department of National Defence and Canadian Forces Code of Values and Ethics, Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector, Directive on Conflict of Interest, and Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) 7021-1, Conflict of Interest.
· Willing and able to lift, push, pull and carry 20 kilograms.
· Willing and able to stand for prolonged periods of time.
· Willing and able to wear and utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in compliance with safety regulations.
· Willing and able to complete a valid food safety program (based on the location of the position being staffed).One or more of the above conditions of employment may be required, depending on the position being staffed. Additional conditions of employment could also be required, not listed above. The complete list of conditions of employment will be communicated to candidates at the time of consideration for appointment for each position being staffed.
Operational Requirements
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTSOR1. Willing and able to work overtime on short notice.
OR2. Willing and able to do shift work, including weekends and holidays. Depending on the position being staffed, some additional Operational requirements may be required as well as some of the operational requirements listed may be used as conditions of employment. If this is the case, we will communicate with qualified candidates to inform them of any additional Operational Requirements or Conditions of Employment in order to determine interest for these opportunities and assess/confirm whether these additional requirements are met.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the followingESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE EX1. Experience working as part of a team in a food service environment. Such as, but not limited to:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Catering services
- Hospitals
- Long‑term care or assisted living facilities
- Educational institutions
- Military food service environments
- Correctional facilities
- CampsPhase 1: An initial screening of your application will determine whether your experience is sufficient to advance to the next phase.Phase 2: If you are invited to continue beyond the screening phase, the depth and breadth of your experience in the context of the position will be further evaluated during the interview stage.
Applied / assessed at a later dateCOMPETENCIES C1. Demonstrating integrity and respect
C2. Thinking things through
C3. Working effectively with others
C4. Showing initiative and being action-oriented
C5. Dependability
C6. Communication* *Overall conduct and communications, including email correspondence, throughout the entire process may be used in the assessment of C6. Communication.ABILITIESAB1. Ability to consistently demonstrate attention to detail.
Language requirements (essential for the job)
Applied / assessed at a later date Various language requirements - :
English essential
French essential
English or French essential
Bilingual Imperative (BBB/BBB)
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You may need (asset qualifications)
May be applied / assessed at a later dateASSET EDUCATIONAED1. Culinary Certificate Program. AED2. Minimum 1 year completion of a Culinary Training Program. AED3. A secondary school diploma or employer-approved alternatives (see Note 1).
Notes:
1. The employer-approved alternatives to a secondary school diploma are:
- A satisfactory score on the Public Service Commission test approved as an alternative to a secondary school diploma; or
- An acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
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ASSET OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATIONAOC1. Possession of a valid recognized food safety certificate (based on the location of the position being staffed).ASSET EXPERIENCEAEX1. Experience working as a short‑order cook, cook, or commis in an institutional, industrial, or commercial food services environment, such as, but not limited to:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Catering services
- Hospitals
- Long‑term care or assisted‑living facilities
- Educational institutions
- Military food service environments
- Correctional facilities
- Camps AEX2. Experience operating a Point of Sale Terminal (POST) or performing cashier duties.AEX3. Experience working or volunteering in a mixed military/civilian environment.
Our commitment
We're committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
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Equity, diversity and inclusion
_______________________________________________________________
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ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS The Department of National Defence is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team that reflects Canada's population. To achieve a representative workforce, selection may be based on qualified candidates self-declaring as belonging to one or more of the designated groups: Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and women. We encourage you to indicate if you belong to any of the designated groups when you apply. As means to support our military families and linked with the Department of National Defence priorities, consideration may first be given to the spouses or common-law partners of serving Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members.
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